Why did you choose this degree -- and UNI?
I chose elementary and middle level education because I genuinely love working with kids and helping those around me. Teaching allows me to make a positive impact every day, and this degree gives me the skills to do that effectively. I chose to pursue it at UNI because of its strong education program, supportive faculty, and the hands-on experiences that prepare me to be confident and successful in the classroom.

What path did you take to achieve your degree?
I have always known I wanted to go into education. Both of my parents are teachers, so I grew up seeing the impact they made and the joy they found in their work. Being the oldest with three younger brothers also shaped me because I naturally took on a nurturing role and loved helping them learn and grow. Those experiences confirmed that teaching is the path I am meant to follow.

Describe your clinical and field experiences and how they prepared you for your career.
My student teaching experience has been amazing. It has given me the chance to apply what I have learned in real classrooms and build strong relationships with students. Through daily teaching, planning and working with my cooperating teachers, I have gained confidence, practical skills and a clearer understanding of what it means to be an effective educator. This experience has truly prepared me for my career and has made me even more excited to have a classroom of my own.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree means a great deal to me. It represents the hard work, dedication and passion I have put into becoming the educator I have always wanted to be. It means I am ready to step into my own classroom and make a positive impact on students’ lives. Earning this degree is not just an accomplishment, but a milestone that marks the beginning of the career I have dreamed about for a long time.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced while working toward this degree was balancing coursework, classroom experiences and my life outside of school. Education programs require a lot of time, planning and energy, and there were moments when it felt overwhelming. I overcame these challenges by staying organized, leaning on support from classmates and professors, and reminding myself why I chose this path in the first place. Staying focused on my long-term goal of becoming a teacher helped me push through the hard days and come out stronger and more confident.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI helped me achieve my goals by providing a strong education program, supportive faculty and valuable hands-on experiences. My professors challenged me, encouraged me and helped me grow into a confident future teacher. The opportunities I had in real classrooms, especially through student teaching, gave me the skills and experience I needed to feel prepared for my own classroom. UNI created an environment where I felt supported, motivated and truly ready to step into the field of education.

We often say UNI is student focused; a place where professors care--and teach; a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom;  and is perfectly sized. How do one or more of these statements ring true for you?
UNI’s focus on students and the way professors truly care has been clear throughout my entire experience. My professors took the time to get to know me, support me and push me to grow, both inside and outside of the classroom. I always felt comfortable asking questions or seeking help, and they consistently went above and beyond to make sure I understood the material and felt confident in my ability to teach. UNI’s size also made it easy to build real connections with classmates and faculty. Altogether, these experiences showed me that UNI really is a place where learning happens everywhere and where people genuinely want to see you succeed.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
My best memory from my time at UNI is the sense of community I found, especially during my education courses and student teaching preparation. Working closely with classmates who shared the same goals created friendships and support that meant a lot to me. Those moments of collaboration, encouragement and celebrating each other's progress are what I’ll always remember most.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
I would tell students considering UNI to absolutely take the leap. UNI offers a welcoming community, professors who truly care and many opportunities to learn, grow and get involved. If you want a supportive environment where you are more than just a number, UNI is a great choice. Be open to new experiences, build connections and take advantage of the hands-on learning. You will feel prepared and confident in your future.

What's next? 
I plan to use my degree to become an elementary or middle level teacher. My goal is to create a positive, supportive classroom where students feel encouraged and excited to learn. I am currently exploring opportunities and taking my next steps toward securing a teaching position. I am excited to start my career and put everything I have learned into practice.